10

Mar 2020

CINE Kits: Pocket Cinema Camera 6K

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, is as the name suggests, an incredibly portable and lightweight 6K RAW capable cinema camera. At its heart is a Super 35mm sensor capable of resolving up to 13 stops of dynamic range.

The body is similar in design to that of its 4K sibling, other than the extended lens mount to accommodate for the larger sensor and the widely used EF mount standard. Low light performance is improved too due to the combination of that larger sensor and dual native ISO.

One of the unique selling points of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras is that they can record in RAW directly to an external SSD drive connected by USB-C. Wise have created an ultra-lightweight and streamlined drive that even comes with a shoe mount for attaching it directly to the camera. With incredible speeds of up to 550 MB/s read and 520 MB/s write, it’s slimline design, and the fact you can edit your project directly from the drive – this SSD ranks highly on our recommended kit list.

The Powerbase EDGE is incredibly versatile power solution designed for filmmakers that use a mixture of smaller mirrorless and larger cinema style cameras. Although it can still operate as a traditional 14.8v V-Lock battery, it’s unique selling point is the built in quick release system that allows easy mounting of smaller cameras directly to the battery itself – with then a plethora power outputs to utilise; DC, 2 x USB, and 2x P-Tap. Instead of the 40 minutes (estimated) run-time you’ll get filming on the BMPCC 6K with the provided standard battery, the Powerbase EDGE will keep you going for around 3.5/4 hours off a single charge.

This cage for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera really brings to the table three things; one and extra layer of protection for your camera, two plenty of mounting points for accessories, and three, a versatile wooden handle for that extra bit control when shooting handheld. This cage by Manfrotto is an excellent foundation for building up the camera.

Although the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera has a built in 5-inch touchscreen, it doesn’t make for straight forward filming at awkward or high/low angles, as it can’t be adjusted - It’s also not the brightest. The SmallHD Focus is an external 5-inch monitor that comes with a swivel tilt arm for mounting straight out of the box. At 800-nits it’s also daylight viewable, making for filming in the bright outdoors much easier. There are larger and brighter monitors that would work with this camera, but for sheer size, weight, and price point – the Focus is great starting point.

This system would make for an ideal first ‘professional’ grade tripod purchase. The Nitrotech 608 head on this system houses Manfrottos latest innovations in providing continuous counterbalance in a silky-smooth fluid head. The legs of this system are made from carbon fibre, making it lightweight yet incredibly strong – ideal for when you’re travelling light. It also has a 100mm bowl but comes with a 75mm adapter - so if you want to upgrade the head further down the line you’ve got the best of both worlds on offer. Although saying that, this system can support up to an 8KG payload, which realistically is never going to be an issue shooting with Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K.

This gimbal from Zhiyun is one of the most comprehensive and capable gimbals out on the market at this sort of price point – it’s simply jam packed with features. It can be operated in either single or dual hand modes, either in upright or underslung orientation. You’ll likely fatigue faster than it will since it can carry up to a 4.5KG payload for around 7.5 hours on a single charge. This is a tool that can really bring along heaps of production value to your project.

For more information on these products please call us or follow the links below.

Part of the Midwich Group, Holdan distributes leading brands in the broadcast and video market, from Panasonic and Blackmagic Design to Datavideo and Teradek. We distribute products exclusively into established sales channels.